Hambirao Mohite
| Sar Senapati Hambirrao Mohite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sardar Senapati of the Maratha Empire | |
| Born |
est. 1640 Talbid (Satara District, Maharashtra) |
| Died |
est. 1687 Wai, (Satara District, Maharashtra) |
| Religion | Hindu |
Hambirrao Mohite Born at village Talbid (Karad) dist. Satara, was Sardar Senapati (Commander-in-Chief, Duke) of the Maratha Empire and the brother of Soyarabai, Shivaji's Queen. He was the father of Tarabai, the first regent of Kolhapur.
Following Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji's death in 1680, as Senapati, he played an important role backing Sambhaji (his eldest nephew) in his claim to the throne of the Maratha empire and in his battles against Aurangzeb.[1]
An able general and brave soldier, he fiercely resisted the half million-strong Mughal army with only a fraction of that under his command. He died after being struck by a cannonball during the Battle of Wai Satara.
Hambirrao Mohite (Sarnobat)
"Hambirrao" was a title. His name was Hansaji Mohite. He was Sarnobat of Maratha Army after Prataprao .
In the battle of Nesari, the Maratha army was shattered & their morale was down as they had lost their great leader Prataprao .
Bahlol Khan was overpowering Maratha contingent & was pushing them to a major defeat. That's when Hambirrao took charge, With his own contingent he attacked Bahalol.
Hambirrao boosted the morale of Maratha army & with his bravery as well as great understanding of warfare, he converted the defeat into glorious victory. This victory helped the Maratha army gain their confidence.
On 18 April 1674, when Shivaji went to Chiplun, to meet his contingent in Konkan region, He awarded Hansaji Mohite with the Honour "Hambirrao", & also promoted him as new Sarnobat (Chief of Army).
In 1677, Hambirrao lead the attack on Gadag, He defeated Adilshahi officer of Koppal district "Husenkhan" He accompanied Shivaji in his Deccan expedition. Hambirrao also guided Chhatrapati Sambhaji during his rule.
Hambirrao Mohite, actually named Hansajirao Mohite, was Conferred title of Hambirrao by Chhatrapati Shivaji. While his ancestors conferred title Baji rights by Deccan Sultanates. He was succeeded by four sons and a daughter namely Santaji, Ranasing, Rangoji, Chandoji and Tarabai (later became Queen of the Maratha empire, marrying Chhatrapati Rajaram Bhosale).